Tidal fallout: Alabama trio leaving for NFL

Tuscaloosa, AL (Sports Network) - Four days after dominating Notre Dame in the
BCS National Championship game, a trio of Alabama standouts declared their
intentions of entering the 2013 NFL Draft.

During a Friday press conference, cornerback Dee Milliner and running back
Eddie Lacy announced their decisions to forgo their senior seasons and head to
the pro level. Although he could not attend the press conference, right tackle
D.J. Fluker will also turn pro, according to head coach Nick Saban.

"They've been good teammates to the players that they've played with. They've
both set a good example with their leadership, how they've affected their
teammates in a positive way. And they've certainly been very, very effective
performers in contributing to the success of our teams," said Saban.

Milliner, who is widely considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country,
was a unanimous first team All-American and also received first team All-SEC
honors. During his 2012 campaign, he registered 54 tackles, two interceptions,
1 1/2 sacks and broke up 20 passes.

"It's been a great experience for me, my three years being here," Milliner
said. "I've become a better man."

Lacy is coming off an impressive performance in the championship game, where
he rushed for 140 yards and totaled two touchdowns in Alabama's lopsided 42-14
victory over Notre Dame. He was the team's top rusher in 2012, amassing 1,322
yards and 17 touchdowns on 204 carries.

"It was a hard decision," Lacy said. "At the end of the day, it was the best
decision as far as my family and all of that is concerned."

Fluker, a redshirt junior, was a big part of Alabama's dominant offensive line
which helped produce two 1,000-yard rushers in 2012. He started all 13 games
for the Tide in 2012 and missed just 11 assignments over 728 snaps.